It is completely understandable that fans of this franchise was expecting to see something close to the console version instead a tap and shot alike game.

Without those expectations in mind, Metal Gear Solid Touch is a solid title, well designed and with a fantastic overall production.

The game icon stands out and as soon as you tap it a short loading time brings a professional main screen with an animated background and a music typical of MGS series.

While the interface is in portrait mode you play in landscape orientation. Unfortunately auto flip is not available.

Along with Start (the game itself) the main menu gives easy access to a Special content (like the game history), Drebin?s Shop (purchase wallpapers using game credits), Options (including vibration on/off) and Touch KONAMI (an external link for another games).

Let?s tap Start...

Gameplay

...Initially you see a list of unlocked areas and their unlocked missions. There are 20 stages in 5 different areas.

Next to each completed mission you have a title (code names) that sums up your performance. There are 10 of them and the higher one is FOX. It is not an easy task to achieve it. For the average player the code names are not a clear approach and the lack of an extra information about them makes it even harder to understand. Anyway, it is something you may get use to after playing some missions.

The missions are not long and note that the game can?t resume.

Although it can be classified as a tap and shot game it has some innovative controls that make the game more interesting and challenging.

In Metal Gear Solid Touch you have to move the sight over a target than tap anywhere on the screen to shot. You don?t have to tap the sight itself, you can only move your finger around the screen to target the enemy. However, if the target is too far away you have to enter sniper mode. To do so just move the sight as always then pinch out then tap anywhere to fire. You can also move the sight while in sniper mode but you have a limited visible area in this mode so it may be harder to aim.

Along with different enemies you can also shot GA-KOs (yellow duck) to restore Snake?s life and KEROTANs (green frog) too or get a Rocket Launcher or enter stealth mode. Militiamen will reduce Snake?s life.

Finally, in some missions there is a defense wall where Snake can protect himself and recover life. Just note that some enemies are strong enough to damage and destroy a wall. Stay alert!

Once a mission is completed you will get a code name for it according to your performance and some Drebin Points that you can use to buy wallpapers at the in-game Drebin?s Shop.

Code name and Drebin Points are the factors that increase the replay value of the game. You can play to get the highest code name as well as just to acquire more points and buy more stuff.

Graphics

MGS Touch is a very polished game with an impressive set of high quality images. All of them are very detailed and well designed.

In addition to the in-game graphics, the game also provides a good collection of wallpapers that you can buy with Drebian Points. It is a nice touch.

The animations/cutscenes are not elaborated as well as the visual effects but they match the overall game mechanic.

Sound

The game does not support iPOD music but its soundtrack is awesome. It is immersive and professionally executed. It has that console quality for sure. Personally, I would not use iPOD music while playing MGS Touch because I have a feeling that I would brake the experience.

Sound effects are also top-notch.

In resume, graphics and sounds are very well balanced making this game very captivating.

Only one landscape mode is supported (volume button down)It can?t resume (though missions are not long)Code names are not initially as clear as they could beThere is no online integration

Conclusion

Metal Gear Solid Touch is an impressive and innovative tap and shot game that creates an immersive playing atmosphere thanks to its high quality graphics, well designed missions and excellent soundtrack. There is no doubt that MGS Touch is the best of its kind.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: -5- amazing graphics Sound: -5- great music and sound effectsControls: -5- innovative controls Gameplay: -4- challenging and well designed stages but a bit repetitive

Playing Hints and Tips:

Read carefully and try to focus on every game goalUse the defense wall to save lifeSome scenario items can be shot and help to defeat enemiesAim the target before entering sniper mode